We’re continuing to evaluate the bees’ resources of food stores. We’re providing supplemental feed to overwintered colonies as needed. At this point in the year, we are hoping to see most queens begin the process of laying fresh eggs again! The current worker bees in the beehive hatched in late fall, therefore the eggs now being laid will be raised as the new foraging force for the spring.
Weather permitting, we hope to look for fresh eggs (if it’s safe enough), but temperatures are still low and fully opening the hive has potential risk to damage the cluster of bees. We aim to minimize the bees’ exposure. Depending on weather conditions, we may need to keep them cozy and not be able to inspect deeper. This is a crucial period of time for survival and March weather can still be unpredictable.
We’ll also dive deeper into assessing the condition of colonies that no longer appear alive. We are inspecting and preparing the equipment to receive new bees in the spring. We’re assessing the location of the hive, and may relocate to better optimize potential for future success.